The Belfast Team ...
Michael, proprietor of Belfast and Newry stores recently claimed 91 min PB at the Larne Half marathon, closely followed by 3.30 PB in the Virgin London marathon. Runs with North Down AC and help founded the ever growing Up & Runners.
Sharon, Michael's wife and absolute backbone of the business. Recently back to work full swing after the birth of the third Jenkins boy in the summer, Sharon seems able to effortlessly to combine the rigours of busy family life and full involvement in the store. A wee birdie says she may even be making a return to the running scene, watch this space!
Des, proud Belfast marathon competitor of 1983 and 1985. His running days are now behind him, preferring the golf course to train around, but still a great source of running tips and advice, when not proving his worth as proud grandfather.
Brian, known and admired by many local runners, ' Hammy' recently completed the Virgin London marathon and Connemarathon 39.3 mile challenges. As if these were not enough, our main man is in training for the South African Comrades Ultra 52.4 mile marathon. No worries!
Andrew, a keen triathlete, Andrew has a hand in organising the superb 'Titanic Duathlon' series as well as the sublime (to ridiculous!) Mud Madness races, though it has to be said has yet to be seen participating in the latter! He can always be relied on to provide the confection of the day, and generally encourages eating in any form!
Conor– Classy North Belfast athlete who is not only fleet of foot but sharp of eye - Conor doesn't miss a beat in store and is extremely fond of his frequent cups of tea (and biscuits!). A dedicated runner, he is usually seen leaving the shop after work at some considerable speed.
Carla, Lagan Valley middle distance runner who has been concentrating on 400m/800m and will compete in the cross country over the winter season when she is not studying for her final year of A-levels, including drama which she is certainly very good at on a day to day basis!
Lynsey, Lagan Valley thrower and UUJ Sports Science student, Lynsey is currently out on placement, and keeps busy when not working/training/studying getting involved in coaching junior athletics. This girl never rests!
Kevin, Top St. Malachy's runner, Kevin has shipped across the water to gain his PGCE in physical education, where no doubt he'll excel as in everything else at which he tries his hand. Remains with us on a part-time basis, making appearances in the shop during holidays from 'school'!
Eoin, St.Malachy's protege, currently studying law (among other things!) in Dublin, Eoin still occasionally helps out in store at weekends or during holidays and continues to race in cross country and road races around the country.
Ryan – (Another) St. Malachy's boy, now in 1st year of law degree at UUJ. Modest about his somewhat significant running achievements to date, Ryan is a keen fan of Hannah Montana and other such intellectual teen programmes!
Stephen – The youngster of the gang, Stephen is definitely the joker of the pack, one can never be quite sure whether or not he's being serious! Yet another St. Malachy's runner, his proudest achievement so far surely has to be his retention of the Belfast City Marathon Fun Run title for the past couple of years, (against all the kids!).